Courtesy of MPR
After more than 30 years of showcasing the finest mariachi talent across the nation, the legendary Mariachi Extravaganza music festival is expanding its reach to the West Coast with the inaugural Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas – West Coast Region. On March 8, 2025, the nation’s top school-based mariachi groups and vocalists will converge in Las Vegas for a high-stakes competition to determine who will be crowned the new champions of the West Coast.
In collaboration with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Music and MPR, the producers behind the Mariachi Extravaganza, this exciting new event will bring together talented young artists from across the United States to compete for scholarships, prizes, and a coveted spot in the prestigious Mariachi Extravaganza Concert.
Stephen Blanco, UNLV’s Mariachi Director and a long-time participant in the Mariachi Extravaganza, emphasized the importance of such an event for the students of Las Vegas. “It’s important that our students from Las Vegas develop as young artists by having the opportunity to compete against the best schools in the country,” Blanco said. “Students from Las Vegas will compete against students from California, Texas, Arizona, and other parts of the U.S., where they will have the opportunity to win scholarships, prizes, and a chance to perform at the Mariachi Extravaganza grand finale concert.”
The Competition and Concert
The inaugural Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas promises to be a thrilling event, with award-winning mariachi groups from South Texas going head-to-head with top competitors from more than 20 cities nationwide. Participants will battle for their chance to win over $10,000 in scholarships, prizes, and grants. The event will highlight the exceptional talent of young mariachi groups and vocalists, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and gain recognition.
The event will also celebrate Las Vegas’ growing prominence in the world of mariachi music. With the Clark County School District leading the nation in student enrollment in mariachi programs—boasting over 8,200 participants—and an increasing number of colleges and universities offering mariachi programs, Las Vegas has become a hub for the art form. Blanco’s vision for bringing the Mariachi Extravaganza to Las Vegas aligns with the city’s vibrant mariachi culture, enriching the community and providing students with unmatched opportunities to grow as artists.
The event will culminate in a spectacular concert at the UNLV Performing Arts Center, featuring the winners of the competition alongside renowned mariachi vocalist Jonathan Palomar. A former member of the world-famous Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Palomar’s powerful voice and passion for the genre have earned him worldwide admiration. His emotional depth and authenticity promise to deliver a captivating performance, enhanced by the dynamic sound of UNLV’s own Mariachi Revolución as they make their debut on the grand stage.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
- Location: UNLV Performing Arts Center, Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, Las Vegas, NV
- Mariachi Group and Vocal Competitions: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Mariachi Extravaganza Concert: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Tickets: Available at UNLV.edu/PAC
Sponsors and Support
The Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas is proudly presented by KHS America Academic Alliance (KHS America Alianza Académica), based in Nashville, Tennessee. Their 19 brands, which include Jupiter trumpets, Jimenez Guitars, and Hohner accordions, are dedicated to supporting schools in developing strong music programs and promoting the future of mariachi music.
Through this event, the Mariachi Extravaganza continues its mission to inspire cultural preservation and promote higher education among youth. By providing young artists with opportunities to showcase their talent on a national stage, the festival plays a vital role in shaping the future of mariachi music.
Get ready for a historic day in Las Vegas, where the best of mariachi talent from across the country will compete and perform, showcasing the artistry and cultural pride of this beloved genre.
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